Rolling Out Community Transformation
Councilmember Jaiza Page Announces Winners of
Grant Program to Promote Workforce Development and Combat Vacant Housing
[Columbus,
OH] Raising the standard for neighborhood revitalization and
stabilization, three local non-profits will transform six vacant properties
into community assets.
On
Tuesday, February 28, 1pm, at 97-99 Chicago Ave., Columbus City Councilmember Jaiza Page announced the winners of the
Learning Skills to Lift Neighborhoods (LSLN) grant program.
The
program promotes workforce development in the construction trades for youth or
restored citizens.
“I
am so proud of the entries we received,” said Page. “The program not only
provides job and skill building opportunities but also gives our community
partners another tool in the toolbox to fight against the issue of vacant
housing.”
Grantees
were awarded up to $20,000 per worksite, with a maximum of two sites per
applicant.
“As
we continue to look for new ways to revitalize our neighborhoods, I am excited
this new program will utilize Land Bank properties while creating job training
opportunities,” said Development Director Steve Schoeny.
Award
recipients and amounts are:
- J.
Jireh Development Corporation - $20,000
10
restored citizens will participate in housing renovation projects and urban
farm design on 688-690 Berkeley Avenue and 592 Kelton Avenue. During their
mentorship experience, they will receive housing, drug and alcohol treatment,
education, and additional programming. Four of the ten individuals will enroll
at The Ohio State University and receive their master gardener certificate. The
other six will enroll at ABC for their evening construction trade classes.
- Franklinton
Rising - $40,000
8-14
new opportunity youth trainees will enter into their program. They will be completing
a full rehab on two different land bank properties, 97-99 Chicago Avenue, and
80-82 Hayden Avenue. Trainees will attend classes once a week to learn both
life skills and building trade familiarization. After completion of classes,
they will work 10-15 hours/week on the rehab projects. Franklinton Rising
expects that a minimum of 2-3 trainees in this class will gain full employment
with companies in the trade.
- Franklinton
Gardens - $40,000
20
restored citizens will enter the Franklinton Gardens Urban Agriculture Training
Program. They will be working on two different parcels, 930-932 Sullivant
Avenue and 154-164 Hawkes Avenue. The work will include light construction and
landscaping detail that will build into the maintaining of the urban agriculture
operation. They will also receive professional development support, such as
resume writing and interview techniques. Program members will receive $15/hour
for their work.
Previous experience and capacity in the area of workforce development training for
youth or restored citizens was a requirement of the program.
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